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The Assisting Force AF01 is a gravel frameset from Carbonda's new house brand, featuring monocoque carbon construction with SSL (~800g) and standard (~1.2kg) versions. It offers modern geometry (XS-XXL sizes, 425mm chainstays, 55mm fork offset), 1x-specific design (production versions added FD mount), 700x50c tire clearance, internal routing, and downtube storage. Users praise its ride quality (stiff, precise, comfortable), manufacturing quality, and custom paint options, but criticize the brand name, initial communication issues, and some design choices like short seat tubes limiting frame bag space.
AI-Generated Forum Summary
Pros
- Excellent ride quality: stiff, precise handling, comfortable, and responsive
- High manufacturing and paint quality with good attention to detail
- Lightweight frame options (SSL ~800g, standard ~1.2kg) with good value
- Modern features: internal routing, downtube storage, wide tire clearance (700x50c)
- Flexible customization options for paint and decals
Cons
- Poor brand name and logo design widely criticized as awkward or ugly
- Initial communication and customer service issues with slow responses
- Very short seat tube limits frame bag space and bottle cage compatibility
- Long pre-order wait times with delays in production and shipping
- Some design flaws: fork max rotor size mismatch (140/160 vs frame 160/180), tight downtube storage, no FD cable hole plug
Key Points
- Monocoque carbon construction with SSL (~800g) and standard (~1.2kg) versions
- Geometry: 6 sizes (XS-XXL), 425mm chainstays, 55mm fork offset
- Tire clearance: 700x50c officially, some users test wider
- 1x-specific design (production versions added FD mount)
- Internal cable routing and downtube storage compartment
- Frame weight: SSL ~800g, standard ~1.2kg; fork ~444-501g
- Custom paint options available with decal flexibility
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the delivery time for pre-orders?
Pre-orders typically ship 90+ days after order, with delays common during production ramp-up. Custom paint adds about a month. Actual delivery often takes 3-4 months.
Can the frame be ordered without decals or with custom paint?
Yes, frames can be ordered without downtube decals (extra $50) or with full custom paint (extra $125+). Top tube AF01 logo must remain.
What is the actual tire clearance? Can it fit 2.1\" or 2.2\" tires?
Official clearance is 700x50c. Users report possibly fitting 2.1\" tires with careful measurement, but recommend maintaining at least 6mm clearance.
Does the frame support front derailleurs?
Production versions added a FD mount (SRAM Wide/Shimano GRX compatible). Early specs were 1x-only.
What are the frame weights?
SSL version ~800g, standard version ~1.2kg. Fork weights: ~444-501g uncut.